Advice for moms suffering from depression during and after pregnancy
Response: It’s crucial for the mother’s health – and therefore her growing baby’s health – that she does whatever is necessary to treat her depression. Some women will do fine with talk therapy as the only form of treatment, but others may need to continue medication or even begin taking medication during the pregnancy. A woman should never stop an antidepressant abruptly when she finds out she’s pregnant. That can be quite dangerous for both her and her developing baby. She should consult a physician who specializes in treatment during pregnancy and postpartum (usually a psychiatrist) to discuss what the medical plan should be. She may be able to wean off, she may be switched to a different medication or she may decide to continue her medication. Pregnant on Prozac discusses all these choices, so a woman can make the best decision for herself and her baby.
Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D.
Tags: depression, postpartum depression, pregnancy, pregnancy and medication, pregnant on prozac
